Autoblog

Hennessey Performance Venom GT rendered, nearly uncovered

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 18:40:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Geneva Motor Show, MISC

Hennessey Venom GT - Click above for high-res image gallery

After providing us an exclusive glimpse inside the Hennessey Performance workshop, the Texas-based tuner has let more details slip on the development of the Venom GT -- a Lotus Elise-based supercar packing Corvette ZR1 firepower.

Before the production version debuts at the Geneva Motor Show this March, Hennessey has released a few renderings, along with more shots from inside the shop and a basic spec sheet, including performance figures and few technical details. The rear-drive, two-seater should tip the scales at 2,395 pounds, with a twin-turbo V8 mounted amidships and dolling out 1,000 horsepower at 6,600 rpm and 950 pound-feet of torque at 4,800 rpm. As reported previously, power will be sent through a six-speed manual gearbox with forward progressed scrubbed off by Brembo brakes sized 15 inches in front and 14 inches in the rear. And the performance stats are nothing short of unbelievable. 0-60 mph will be dispatched in 2.2 seconds. 0-100 mph in 4.9 seconds and the 200 mph mark will be had in 14.5 seconds before maxing out at a claimed 262 mph. Judging by the newly released pics, the Venom GT is nearly complete and we expect to see the production version before it's official unveiling in Switzerland.

Gallery: Hennessey Performance Venom GT in the shop

[Source: Hennessey Performance]

Hennessey Performance Venom GT rendered, nearly uncovered originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Dec 2009 18:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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(More) Pics Aplenty: VW plays up Scirocco R with new pics, details

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 16:56:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Europe, Volkswagen, UK

2010 VW Scirocco R -- Click above for high-res image gallery

The Volkswagen Scirocco R was recently introduced to the European motoring press, and all of its details have been delivered unto the people. The 2.0-liter, 265-horsepower front-wheel-drive hot hatch comes in two versions: six-speed manual and six-speed DSG, either of which will get you to 60 mph in six seconds or less.

The R is loaded with tech and mods: XDS electronic transverse differential lock to combat understeer, Dynamic Chassis Control for variable damping, Anti-Slip Regulation, and massive 17-inch brakes among other features. If that makes you want to see what one can do in the corners, VW's already found out: two slightly more powerful Sciroccos won the 2.0-liter turbo class at the 24 Hours of Nürburgring earlier this year.

There's an exhaustive press release after the jump that will tell you all about it, and a high-res gallery of photos below if you like your stories in pictures.

Gallery: 2010 Volkswagen Scirocco R

[Source: Volkswagen]

Continue reading (More) Pics Aplenty: VW plays up Scirocco R with new pics, details

(More) Pics Aplenty: VW plays up Scirocco R with new pics, details originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Dec 2009 16:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG priced for Europe, now taking orders

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 14:30:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Coupe, Performance, Mercedes-Benz, Luxury

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG -- Click above for high-res image gallery

The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG now has an order form and a price. While it's not cheap, it's nowhere near the most expensive car in the range: for €177,310 ($265,531 U.S. - note: that is a straight conversion, not an indication of the car's U.S. cost), you can put one of the gullwinged wonders in your - probably climate-controlled - garage.

That fits well in between the prices for the SL63 AMG at €148,155 and the SL65 AMG at a blistering €224,672. You get four more cylinders, 40 more hp and a folding hartop on the SL65; yet the SLS gets you gullwing doors, retro styling and €47,000 left over in your pocket. And you're still cooler than the folks in a Mercedes-McLaren SLR, who spent €450,000 when it was new.

What the SLS AMG purchase price won't get you is expedited delivery: the car still won't arrive until Spring of 2010. If you're one of those who needs to keep up, some gent named Matthew K. has been designated "the SLS AMG reporter" and he'll be posting all manner of info and clips online. You can read about it in the press release after the jump, check the car out again in the gallery of high-res photos below, or call your Luxembourger account manager in three, two, one...

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG

Photos copyright (C)2009 Chris Paukert / Weblogs, Inc.
[Source: Mercedes-Benz]

Continue reading Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG priced for Europe, now taking orders

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG priced for Europe, now taking orders originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Nov 2009 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Bewerp Savage Rivale Roadyacht GTS actually takes to the road sidewalk

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 15:33:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Performance, Europe, Videos, Luxury

The Bewerp Savage Rivale Roadyacht GTS -- Click above to watch the video after the break

Fittingly, it appears that the Bewerp Savage Rivale Roadyacht GTS went for a cruise on Halloween night, which would give passers-by the perfect opportunity to ask the driver, "What kind of costume is that?" He could've replied, "I'm dressed up as the driver of the only 600-horsepower, €257,000, four-door convertible designed and built in Holland." Or he tell them the car's name, which is nearly as long.

The $385,000 car in the video sticks to the sidewalks so there aren't any shenanigans, but it's not a bad looker, and we salute the two gents who've made it real. Follow the jump to see the vid. Hat tip to Emile!

Gallery: Bewerp Savage Rivale Roadyacht GTS

[Source: AutoGespot via YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: Bewerp Savage Rivale Roadyacht GTS actually takes to the ~~road~~ sidewalk

VIDEO: Bewerp Savage Rivale Roadyacht GTS actually takes to the ~~road~~ sidewalk originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 09 Nov 2009 15:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: First longer-wheelbase Ferrari 612 Scaglietti replacement spotted

Jonathon Ramsey — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 12:14:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Coupe, Performance, Ferrari, Luxury

Ferrari 612 replacement test mule - Click above for high-res image gallery

Ferrari is reportedly currently working on the three V12 cars that will replace its comparable current offerings: the 612 Scaglietti, 599 GTB, and Enzo. The 612's follow-on will be the first one to arrive, likely in early 2012, and another mule has been spotted out and about. It still sports the hood scoop (bigger engine with more power, anyone?) and California-style stacked tailpipes, and it looks like it might have a longer wheelbase to boot.

Rumor has it that the new direct-injected V12 will be 40 percent less polluting and get 40 percent better gas mileage than the 5.7-liter V12 presently in use, even as it's expected to get a slight 7-horsepower bump to 540. The fuel economy increase would provide a very respectable 16 MPG - not bad for a car that ought to hustle to 60 MPH in about 4.5 seconds. Check out a host of new spy photos in our gallery below. In case you're curious, the sticker on the steering wheel boss which reads "Betrieb nur mit geschlossener Motorhaube" is an instruction telling drivers that the engine should only be started with the hood closed.

Gallery: Spy Shots: Ferrari 612 Scaglietti replacement mule

[Image: CarPix]

Spy Shots: First longer-wheelbase Ferrari 612 Scaglietti replacement spotted originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 01 Nov 2009 12:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Honda CEO: We will build affordable and green sports cars, not like the Lexus LF-A

Sam Abuelsamid — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 18:59:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Tokyo Motor Show, Honda

Following our time visiting this week's Tokyo Motor Show, we had the opportunity to sit down for a small group interview at Honda's world headquarters with freshly-minted CEO Takanobu Ito, who took over the reigns at Honda from Takeo Fukui just this past June. Among the questions posed to Ito-san was "When will Americans see another performance car from Honda?" Honda has a tradition of performance vehicles and motorsports participation that goes back to the earliest days of the company. Ito himself was the chief body engineer on the original NSX and was pivotal in the development of its lightweight aluminum structure and body.

Given his role in one of the more unique aspects of the NSX, it was interesting that Ito acknowledged that he personally made the decision to pull the plug last year on the new car that was being developed as a successor to the NSX. Ito actually sounded as though he was channeling Colin Chapman in explaining the philosophy of using low mass to achieve a good power to weight ratio on the NSX. That approach allowed Honda to create a car that was "easy to drive, good performance and at the same time it enjoyed very good fuel economy."

However, reaching those goals required a significant investment in new manufacturing technology.

Ito went on to say that there were two challenges that must be overcome in order for a new sports car from Honda to become a reality. Read on after the jump.

Continue reading Honda CEO: We will build affordable and green sports cars, not like the Lexus LF-A

Honda CEO: We will build affordable and green sports cars, not like the Lexus LF-A originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 22 Oct 2009 18:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: This is Not Batmobile - It's the Spada Codatronca!

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 17:00:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Videos, Luxury

Spada Codatronca promotional material -- Click above to watch the video after the break

The Spada is coming! The Spada is coming! Along with this promotional video put together to get you ready for it. A combination of The Dark Knight, Speed Racer, and The Car, the Codatronca's still an oddball looker, but with that Z06 running gear underneath it should at least be fun to drive. The vid was directed by a Mr. Kobayashi, which makes us think that Keyser Soze must be doing the driving. Follow the jump to watch the vid.

Gallery: SpadaConcept Codatronca

[Source: Vimeo]

Continue reading VIDEO: This is Not Batmobile - It's the Spada Codatronca!

VIDEO: This is Not Batmobile - It's the Spada Codatronca! originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Oct 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tokyo 2009: Alpina B7 Bi-Turbo LWB is longer, and therefore better

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 15:40:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Sedan, Performance, Tokyo Motor Show, BMW, Luxury

Alpina B7 Bi-Turbo Long Wheelbase - Click above for high-res image gallery

The Alpina B7 Bi-Turbo long wheelbase revealed at the Tokyo Motor Show today doesn't add anything to the less well-endowed Alpina B7 we saw at Geneva except length, but isn't that enough? The double-turbo'd 4.4-liter V8 brings 507 romping horsepower and 516 lb-ft. of torque - all of which is enough to get the white whale to sixty in 4.8 seconds.

Alpina's custom 21-inchers support an interior package touched up with the tuner's logo throughout. Our only cause for pause: the much larger steering wheel; the smaller diameter unit in the regular BMW helps to make the execu-barge a hoot to throw around a track. See it all for yourself in the gallery of high-res images below.

Gallery: Tokyo 2009: Alpina B7 Long Wheelbase

Tokyo 2009: Alpina B7 Bi-Turbo LWB is longer, and therefore better originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Oct 2009 15:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tokyo 2009: WRX STi Carbon gets a weave

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 11:01:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Japan, Tokyo Motor Show, Hatchback, Subaru

Subaru WRX STi Carbon -- Click above for high-res image gallery

Most people we talked with don't seem to understand the point of the Subaru WRX STi Carbon unveiled at the Tokyo Motor Show - but it's a JDM-only car, and frankly, there are a lot of things that outsiders don't understand about the Japanese market.

The carbon-roofed A-Line will come with two choices of engine, but since the model isn't earmarked for America, we probably don't need to worry about it. That said, the powerplants are as intriguing as the car: a 2.5-liter turbo with 296 horsepower, and a more powerful 2.0-liter turbo with 305 hp. Both will operate through the only tranny on offer: a five-speed automatic. If you got past that last sentence, there's also suede inside. So you'll be more comfortable shifting... your automatic. Have a look at it in the gallery of high-res photos below.

Gallery: Tokyo 2009: Subaru WRX STi Carbon

Tokyo 2009: WRX STi Carbon gets a weave originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Oct 2009 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Toyota FT-86 runs the 'Ring, sounds awesome

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 12:29:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Videos, Tokyo Motor Show, Subaru, Toyota

Toyota FT-86 at the Nürburgring - Click above to watch video

In a video that should be titled "Things You Can't Do in a Corolla," the FT-86 has been caught in motion and sound at the Nürburgring in Germany. Of course, the pictures posted last week gave no indication of how it ran, but we can tell you - and so can the video - that it is, as they say in the business, "Hot."

We know what the Toyota concept looks like, but we're not exactly sure which version we see on the 'Ring in the video. It could be the FT-86 from Toyota or Subaru's version. However, if Toyota's version goes like the car in the video, when it finally does arrive, Toyota will truly be able to say it is back in the business of fun. At least a little. Follow the jump to see the vid. Thanks to everyone for the tips!

[Source: FT86 Club]

Continue reading VIDEO: Toyota FT-86 runs the 'Ring, sounds awesome

VIDEO: Toyota FT-86 runs the 'Ring, sounds awesome originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 Oct 2009 12:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Renault Mégane Renaultsport 250 drops on unsuspecting Brits

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 10:29:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Europe, Hatchback, Renault

Mégane Renaultsport 250 -- Click above for high-res image gallery

We're not really fans of yellow cars, but every once in a while we come upon a butter-colored coupe and think, "Oh, that's not bad..." The Mégane Renaultsport 250 is just one of those cars, and makes us say again - in case we haven't said it enough - why can't we Americans have one of these?

The next evolution in the Mégane Renaultsport line, the 250 has been relentlessly fettled to provide a driver with more thrills. It comes in two versions: a race-ified Cup model, and regular. The former gets just about all the mod-cons as well as the Cup Suspension Pack with a limited slip differential, stiffer springs, dampers and anti-roll bar, grooved discs, red Brembo calipers, and Michelin Pilot Sport 2 tires on 18-inch wheels.

If you must have everything, don't check the "Cup" box and you'll get heated leather seats, electrically adjustable driver's seat, Renault Hands Free card, dual-zone climate control, auto lights and wipers, and 18-inch wheels on Dunlop Sport Maxx TT tires, among other things. Best of all, you can get the Cup suspension with this model if you so choose.

Both cars get 250 hp and 250 lb-ft. The Cup runs £21,995 ($35,968 U.S.) on-the-road, the non-Cup goes for £22,995 ($37,604 U.S.). The Zola-length press release after the jump will tell you everything you want to know, or you can just check it out in the gallery of high-res photos below.

Gallery: M�gane Renaultsport 250

[Source: Renault]

Continue reading Renault Mégane Renaultsport 250 drops on unsuspecting Brits

Renault Mégane Renaultsport 250 drops on unsuspecting Brits originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 Oct 2009 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford F-150 SVT Raptor named 2010 Truck of Texas

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 10:00:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Truck, Ford, Off-Road

2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor -- Click above for high-res image gallery

It's no secret that the Texas Auto Writer's Association loves Ford trucks: The Blue Oval's F-Series pickups have won the Truck of Texas award six straight times. Actually, you can make that seven straight times now, with the F-150 SVT Raptor taking the top honor this year in the Lone Star State.

We didn't go through the precise reasoning of the F-150's dominance in previous years, but the arrival of the Raptor probably made the choice just too easy this time around. After having driven the Raptor ourselves we knew that there is simply nothing like it, and nothing anywhere near as good as it is, to be found in the OEM pickup truck world. When you throw in the purchase price of $39K for the 5.4-liter, you're going to look hard to find a similarly priced competitor in the OEM or aftermarket. The press is after the jump, and to Ford, congratulations are well deserved.

UPDATE: Turns out that the F-150 was actually named this year's Truck of Texas, not the SVT Raptor model specifically. The Raptor was, however, named best "Full-size Pickup Truck". You can check out the corrected press release that Ford just sent out after the jump.

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Ford F-150 ~~SVT Raptor~~ named 2010 Truck of Texas

Ford F-150 ~~SVT Raptor~~ named 2010 Truck of Texas originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 Oct 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Dutch auto journo says Lexus LF-A is the best car he's ever driven

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 19:26:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Videos, Lexus, Luxury

Dutch auto journo Thomas Bangma giving his opinion on the Lexus LF-A -- Click above to view the video after the jump

The man you see above is Thomas Bangma. Described as a Dutch automotive journalist, and noted on his LinkedIn page as an "Independent Automotive Professional," we can't find much dirt on him -- but if he's getting invited to press events for the Lexus LF-A, he must know a bit about something.

During that aforementioned event, Mr. Bangma gave his opinion on Lexus' glacially developing supercar, and he adds no sugar to the medicine: "The car is the best car I have ever driven in my whole life as an automotive journalist." Well then. What we can definitely say is that as it flies by behind him, it sounds positively murderous. In a good way. Follow the jump for the rest of Bangma's thoughts.

Gallery: 2009 Lexus LF-A race car

[Source: YouTube via Cars UK]

Continue reading VIDEO: Dutch auto journo says Lexus LF-A is the best car he's ever driven

VIDEO: Dutch auto journo says Lexus LF-A is the best car he's ever driven originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Oct 2009 19:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Quick Spin: Superformance GT40 MkI is vehicular sashimi, raw and delicious

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 11:58:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Coupe, Performance, First Drive, Specialty, Quick Spin

Superformance GT40 MkI - Click above for high-res image gallery

As much as we enjoy piloting modern machinery, there's something special about vintage vehicles, and that something is the pure, unvarnished connection between man and machine. But it's not always good. Things get dicey when the driving experience is a little too vintage. Despite our supreme adoration of the racing greats of yesteryear, clawing at the wheel, pulverizing the brake pedal, dumping buckets of sweat onto the leather seat and having our sphincter perform kegels isn't always our preferred flavor of fun. Some days, we're just not that hardcore. So the vintage vehicles we've come to love most aren't genuinely vintage at all - they're classic bodies wrapped around modern mechanicals. The Rizk RA is a prime example, and now there's this: the Superformance GT40 MkI, a car so raw that if it were edible, they'd slap "organic" on it and sell it at Whole Foods.

Gallery: Quick Spin: Superformance GT40 Mk1

Continue reading Quick Spin: Superformance GT40 MkI is vehicular sashimi, raw and delicious

Quick Spin: Superformance GT40 MkI is vehicular sashimi, raw and delicious originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 13 Oct 2009 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Production lines halted at MG's Longbridge plant. This is not a repeat from 2005.

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 18:29:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Performance, Europe, Plants/Manufacturing, UK

It is a travesty that the initials "MG" are coming to be a convenient epithet for the term "woe." The British sportscar maker has had an exceedingly trying history recently, and things haven't got any better with word that its owner, MG Motor UK Ltd. (which is really Nanjing Automobile Corporation), is reportedly closing the company's Longbridge plant.

Production of the MG TF was back in order early last year, but economic turbulence made the factory's fortunes equally bumpy. It hasn't helped that the last couple of special editions the company has put out, the MGTF LE500 and the 85th Anniversary MGTF, haven't been so well received. MG Motor said it couldn't guarantee stability and now, 2009 production has ceased. There were rumors of a new 2010 MG model coming out... but that was a long time ago, and things have lately been as quiet as the now-shuttered Longbridge factory.

[Source: BBC]

REPORT: Production lines halted at MG's Longbridge plant. This is not a repeat from 2005. originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 06 Oct 2009 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS 63 caught playing in the rain

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 16:30:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Performance, Mercedes-Benz, Luxury

The car that authored the "four-door-coupe" terminology - and a great deal of Internet debate and dictionary definition checking - will introduce its second act toward the end of 2011. Unsurprisingly, the new model (which is expected to wear a 2011 designation), will look much like the current model. That's the way it goes with genre-defining things most of the time.

Perhaps it is just our eyes, but in the spy shots it looks like the car's rump could be even more sleek, with the glasshouse landing even further toward the rear of the car. Also, the mirror mountings have changed - at least on this prototype - from the A-pillar notch to the doors. In line with Merc's current designs, they are now giant square flaps mounted on stalks.

Engines are expected to range from a 3.5-liter V6 with 292 horsepower to the top-o'-the-heap 6.2-liter V8 with 525 hp. Rumored to be tucked in there as well is a 299-hp hybrid.

[Source: SpeedLux]

Spy Shots: 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS 63 caught playing in the rain originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 06 Oct 2009 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Review: 2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS demands to be loved

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Chevrolet, Reviews

2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS - Click above for high-res image gallery

The 2010 Chevrolet Camaro has taken so long to get to here we wouldn't be surprised if Caravaggio did the original sketches. We wanted the car when we first saw it back in 6 B.C. We drove prototypes sometime around the Norman Conquest. And now it's finally on the streets. It seems like a mighty long time, but a Camaro SS finally found its way into our hands and it was like being delivered a mail-order bride we'd been corresponding with for ages, begging, "Please, just get here." But how long would our honeymoon last? Or would there be one at all? We hit the road to find out.

Gallery: Review: 2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS

Continue reading Review: 2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS demands to be loved

Review: 2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS demands to be loved originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 Oct 2009 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Mitsuoka to offer unique rental cars in Japan, also plans to sell in China

Jonathon Ramsey — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 11:15:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Performance, China, Japan, Beijing Motor Show

Mitsuoka Orochi - Click above for high-res image gallery

Mitsuoka, the Japanese car company whose mission seems to be hoarding all the ugly in the entire world and using it to design automobiles, will expand into Japan's rental car market and offer its luxury range in China. Japanese drivers will be able to rent the Orochi for ¥25,000 ($279 US) from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., or for three whole days for ¥45,000 ($501 US). They can also sport the Himiko for ¥20,000 ($223 US) for those nine hours, or ¥36,000 ($401 US) for 72 hours.

The sea monster-faced Orochi will also spearhead Mitsuoka's charge into China. The company plans to display the car at next year's Beijing Auto Show, and to open dealerships in Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou. We know the Chinese have occasionally fascinating taste in car design, but we can't wait to see how they receive the Orochi. Mitsuoka wants to move 35 units in its first year, and as if its looks weren't queer enough, the car is expected to cost 50% more in China than it does in Japan, where it will already set you back ¥9,345,000 ($87,287 USD). Any takers?

Gallery: Mitsuoka Orochi

[Source: Antara News]

REPORT: Mitsuoka to offer unique rental cars in Japan, also plans to sell in China originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 27 Sep 2009 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: V10-powered E30 M3 vs. V8-powered E92 M3

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 17:28:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Coupe, Performance, Videos, BMW

E30 M3 V10 vs. V8-powered E92 M3 -- Click above to view the video after the jump

Ah, the Swedes, with their eye for tuning and their wide open spaces to run in. A gent named Johan stuck an M-Division S85 V10 in an E30 M3, and the results look nothing short of devastating. No surprise when you add Big Power + Light Car. Stack it up against a current M3 on a runway, and what you have is a cameraman trying to film a black speck in the distance. According to and M5Board forum user the M3 V10 got up to 288 km (179 mph) during the run. Follow the jump to watch the video and see it happen.

[Source: M5Board]

Continue reading VIDEO: V10-powered E30 M3 vs. V8-powered E92 M3

VIDEO: V10-powered E30 M3 vs. V8-powered E92 M3 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Sep 2009 17:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Frankfurt 2009: Mansory Cyrus is what carbon fiber was made for

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 15:41:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Frankfurt Motor Show, Coupe, Performance, Aston Martin, Luxury

Mansory Cyrus -- Click above for high-res image gallery

When Mansory wants to give it to us good, they know how. This is the Mansory Cyrus (Khouresh Mansory told us that Cyrus was the first king of Iran), and - even though every other colleague here disagrees with us - we feel it the best use of carbon fiber we've seen since we've been here. The car is DB9-based and has been redone in aerospace, pre-preg carbon fiber, and gets 28 extra horses.

Well, all except the rear fenders because they couldn't shape the carbon fiber accordingly, so the carbon fiber -- extended in width by two inches from the original car - is glued to the standard panels with adhesive bought from Lamborghini. Otherwise it's all CF. No, the roof scoop isn't functional - but beauty makes no promises to functionality. You can also get the DBS done up thusly, and although we don't know what that car is called, we hope it's Xerxes. The Cyrus will run you €380,000 on top of a DB9. We won't call it money well spent... but we'd spend it.

Gallery: Frankfurt 2009: Mansory Cyrus - Aston Martin DB9

Frankfurt 2009: Mansory Cyrus is what carbon fiber was made for originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Sep 2009 15:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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